Weightlessness is a constant delight – we’re able to fly. Makes me smile. twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield/…

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) March 11, 2013

Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with the wind out of the west. Photo taken 28 January 2013

Johannesburg, South Africa, distinctively multi-coloured on the Witwatersrand range. Photo taken on 9 March 2013

Tswaing Meteorite Crater, just north of Pretoria, South Africa. I once gave a lecture standing on its salty floor. Photo taken on 7 March 2013

Chris bides his time up there docking cargo vehicles, doing maintenance and live Tweeting beautiful pictures of our planet. And for those cynics thinking “I can see this stuff on Google Earth any time I like”, you just need to look at the beautiful pictures below to realise Google’s dated version of events don’t come close to Commander Hadfield’s beautiful (and recent) imagery.

Cape Town, South Africa, the glinting sun highlighting the water. Photo taken on 21 February 2013

Where the rock meets the soil near Capetown, South Africa. Are these the vineyards where the wine comes from? Photo taken on 28 February 2013

Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa, with Table Mountain framing the bay. Photo taken on 1 February 2013

Chris’ mission to the International Space Station (ISS) began on December 19, 2012 aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. He will remain in orbit for 5 months, where he will reside and work for 5 months as part of the crew of Expedition 34/35. You can find out more about Chris Hadfield’s mission http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/default.asp

We couldn’t leave out Malmö, Sweden – where Travelstart began in 1999. Photo taken on 6 March 2013

All images: Chris Hadfield on Twitter

Swellendam has become the latest town to join StreetSmart SA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the social integration and upliftment of street children. This picturesque Overberg town, just off the N2, with its vibrant restaurants is committed to helping marginalised children at risk in the region.

“The joy. The usefulness. The sense of accomplishment. Being part of a solution. The no-fuss StreetSmart method. Is there an easier or better way of making a tangible difference? I cannot wait to see the change we will bring to Swellendam as a direct result of this programme,” said Henk Klijn, owner of Augusta de Mist Country House and chairman of the StreetSmart Swellendam steering committee, at the launch event in Swellendam.

StreetSmart raises funds through a voluntary R5 donation with each table’s bill at participating restaurants. The new StreetSmart eateries in Swellendam are: 18ZeroOne at De Kloof Luxury Estate, Augusta’s African Kitchen, Field & Fork Restaurant, La Sosta, Old Gaol Restaurant on Church Square, Café Oppi Stoep, Powel House and Tredici.

StreetSmart SA was launched in Cape Town in 2005 under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and has raised a total of more than R5.8 million in aid of organisations working with street children. There are currently 61 participating restaurants running this worthy initiative in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Somerset West and Swellendam.

StreetSmart SA is a registered Public Benefit as well as a Non Profit Organisation and ensures that every cent donated by diners goes towards social and educational upliftment projects for street children. StreetSmart’s goal is to be part of the process of social normalisation and to encourage the public not to give money into the hands of a child as this keeps them on the streets. In essence, eating and donating at a StreetSmart restaurant is the responsible way to help a street child.

Similar StreetSmart organisations also run independently in the UK, San Francisco,  Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India.

If you’re looking for a taste of New York right here in South Africa, may I recommend TriBakery? Based on the idea of a combined bakery and restaurant, and themed around the TriBeCa neighbourhood of New York, these guys have got the gourmet burger down to a fine art.

Even better? These gourmet burgers are two for the price of one during the week! I do love a good deal, it must be said, but even more than a good deal I love a good burger. Cape Town seems to have exploded in the gourmet-burger-making business in the last few years, and it seems as if every second restaurant claims that burgers are their speciality. But TriBakery is really on to something special.

For starters, they have an extensive selection. Everything from classics like Portobello mushroom, caramelised onion and barbeque sauce (which my American friend gave the stamp of approval) to grilled chicken with bacon and avocado, and even prawns with creamy garlic mayo and fresh avocado. Okay, so a bun with prawns isn’t necessarily a burger (nor is the tantalising calamari steak option) but it was simply delicious, packed with flavour and perfectly cooked. If you’re looking for a more traditional burger (as in, a meat patty and toppings, on a bun – how dull!) may I suggest the gorgonzola stuffed beef burger, or the Mediterranean lamb burger, or the pork burger with red pepper salsa? I plan on working my way through the entire menu of burgers before they realise what an insanely good deal they’re offering!

The ambience at the Cavendish TriBakery (where I popped in) is surprisingly lovely for a shopping centre restaurant (which, let’s be honest, are usually only good to fill the gap before a movie). Large windows open out onto the street below, and the service is friendly and efficient. It’s the perfect spot to gather a few friends and rediscover what a gourmet burger is all about.

Where’s your favourite burger joint?

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San Telmo, Buenos Aires

My friend David du Toit recently visited the Argentinian city of Buenos Aires. Here he tells us about her beauty:

1. In which area should you stay? 

Buenos Aires is one of the biggest and most diverse cities in the world, so I would recommend staying in different areas. If you like cobblestone streets and antique shops, then you should definitely stay in San Telmo, the heart of colonial Buenos Aires. There are many hotels and hostels in this neighbourhood. For a student traveller  I recommend Hostel Carlos de Gardel in San Telmo. Another area you should definitely stay in is Palermo. This neighbourhood is full of chic boutiques, trendy art galleries and exciting cafés and bars.

9 de Julio

2. Must see:

There are so many things to see in Buenos Aires, but I am going to name three. Firstly, Cemetrerio de la Recoleta where the late Eva Peron is buried is an absolute must. The cemetery is similar to Paris’s Cimetière du Père Lachaise, just smaller. Secondly, a visit to the amazing Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) is simply a must see. This intimate art museum hosts paintings of Frida Kahlo, Diego Riviera and Fernando Botero. Thirdly, Avenida 9 de Julio is simply a must see. It is a long street sprinkled with lots of shops, bars and restaurants. It is also the widest street in the world – 13 lanes – which can be a daunting task for slow walkers.

Frida Kahlo

La Boca

3. Must do:

Anyone visiting Buenos Aires must take a bus to La Boca, the colourful area in the south of Buenos Aires. La boca is an arty neighbourhood where tango first started from its conventillos. It also hosts the city’s first port, which nowadays is a magnet for bohemian artists and con artists.

The steak

4. Must eat:

Steak steak steak. Argentinian steak is simply the best I have ever tasted. I think even vegetarians will like it! Try any steakhouse in San Telmo. Prices range from R100 to R350.

5. Are the people friendly/ helpful?

The people of Argentina are really friendly, although language may be a problem. Not many people speak English, so I recommend you learn some basic Spanish before travelling to Buenos Aires.

6. How long should you stay?

Buenos Aires is really a big city, so I recommend at least five days in this wonderful city.

Photos by David du Toit

I met someone the other day who didn’t like travelling. Has this ever happened to you? She was certainly the first person I’ve met in as long as I can remember who just didn’t feel the urge to take to the open road (or sky) and discover somewhere new. The love of travel is such a given that I’d never actually thought about what it is I love about it, but meeting this non-traveller inspired me to think of the top 5 reasons to love travelling. Ready? Here goes…

1. New sights

I think it’s entirely possible to stop seeing things we see every day. I have an absolutely stunning walk to work, with Table Mountain on full display in front of me, but unless there’s something unusual about the weather (crazy mist, beautiful light) I don’t really notice it. Travelling forces your eyes open because you’re seeing things you’ve never seen before.

2. In the present moment

When I’m working, it’s easy to get caught up in the future, or thinking about things that have passed, or wondering what’s going to happen next week. But when I’m travelling, it’s all about the present moment. Right now, and no other time. Who knows what will happen next? Who can imagine what we’ll be seeing this time next week? It brings a marvellous immediacy to every day.

3. Unfamiliar food

Most people will eat the same kind of food, over and over again, at home. I certainly will (bread and cheese for lunch, anyone?) But plop me in a different culture with all kinds of unfamiliar food, and suddenly my tastebuds come alive. It’s like an instant broadening of horizons for the palate.

4. Meeting new people

It is possible to meet new people at home, of course, but many of us stick to our same group of friends when we’re in our comfort zone. Out of the comfort zone, though, now that’s where the magic happens. That’s where you’ll meet people who are either entertaining for just one conversation or day, or will become friends that last for many years.

5. A renewed appreciation for home

And this is perhaps my very favourite thing about travelling. Leaving home, even if it’s just for a few weeks, makes it come alive again when you return. You can see just how vibrant, how wonderful, how beautiful your hometown is.

What’s your favourite thing about travelling?

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I went to Hong Kong several years ago and completely loved everything about this humid, yet bustling metropolis. My friend Mango Li Mozi is from Hong Kong, China, so I thought it best to let a native tell you more about this magnificent city, as it is today:

In which area should you stay?

The subway system in Hong Kong is called the MTR (Metro) – it is everywhere. It is very convenient, so living close to a MTR station is essential for any traveller.

Tsim Sha Tsui

You simply must see…

Fun areas to visit include Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsuiand Wan Chai See. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the whole city on the peak at night!

Lantau Island is definitely worth a visit. Places like Tai O on the island can show you a totally different picture of Hong Kong, quite the opposite of the hustle and bustle of inner Hong Kong city.

You simply must eat…

Dim sum! They come in so many different shapes, sizes and flavours. You can either eat in old fashioned dim sum restaurants or find a quiet modern spot – they are all over the city.

Are the people friendly/ helpful?

Yes! And most people can understand basic English. Just don’t expect anything too advanced.

How many days do you need in the city?

Four to five days should be enough, but you can always stay extra to learn more about the culture – and shop of course!

Any fun facts?

Hong Kong has the world’s highest bar. The bar is called  OZONE and  is proudly positioned on the top floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel inside the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon. Definitely worth a pit stop!

Images credit: Mark Peddle

One of the great delights Cape Town offers visitors – both local and international – is the variety of restaurants and dining options. But within these dining options there are a few that really stand out: meals that transform a weekday evening into a night to remember. Aubergine is one such restaurant, our dinner there was one such night.

For starters, the atmosphere at Aubergine, tucked away on a side street in the City Bowl, is just fabulous. Superb staff and a welcoming atmosphere the moment you step in the door, you’ll immediately feel both at home and out for a special occasion – a rare combination.

And then there’s the food. Oh, the food! Chef Harald Bresselschmidt is a magician, with his extraordinary imagination for delicious ingredients paired with his ability to transform those ideas into consistently exceptional dishes. Fresh flavours, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques combine to form a rotating menu that always has something new on it, and the promise of a meal you’ll remember for months.

Let me tempt your tastebuds by telling you what we ate… For starters, we had long-fin tuna tartare and carpaccio, and guinea fowl and foie gras paupiette. Exceptional. For mains we had oxtail braised on the bone and served in a gratinated cannelloni with sun dried tomatoes and a spinach timbale (which, for those out of the know, is a light mousse-like creation) and grilled Chalmar beef fillet with Provençal vegetables and lemon thyme sauce – superb. Desserts were orange-vanilla risotto with citrus fruit salad, chocolate macaroons and grapefruit sorbet and an assiette of chocolate delights. And coffee was served with beautiful truffles. There’s an option to have wine-pairing with every course, or a very skilled sommelier is on hand to recommend the perfect wine for the dish.

The food was simply extraordinary. The evening was wonderfully memorable. And Aubergine is without a doubt my new favourite restaurant.

My German friend Magda lives and studies in Innsbruck, Austria and is loving every moment of this breathtakingly vibrant city. Here, she tells us a bit more about what to do when visiting one of her now favourite places:

1. Must-see?

Be sure to venture out to the mountains during winter. Take the lift up to Nordkette in the north or Patscherkofel and Serles in the south for great skiing and hiking. The views from there are just spectacular. It is also internationally renowned for its great winter sports. So be sure to get our your snow gear!

2. Which are the best area(s) to stay in? Why?

Try to stay in the city centre or at least close to the Inn river. It is one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen. All the best museums like Riesenrundgemälde and the Bell Museum are within walking distance from here. You’ll also find a cosy little café around every corner.

The city also has a very highly developed tram system (Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe (IVB)), which makes it easy to get around.

3. How expensive is the city?

Expensive. You’ll find that food is extremely expensive and renting a one bedroom in a three bedroom flat is about R4000 a month. So be sure to save up before you go!

4. Which local delicacy would you recommend?

5. How many days do you need ideally?

Ideally you need about five days, but that depends on how long you plan to snowboard or ski.

If you really want to feel like a Cape Town local, here’s what you need to do:

Next time there’s a perfectly clear, still, warm evening in Cape Town, gather a few friends, some drinks and snacks, and head to Signal Hill to watch the sun go down. There is nothing that will make you feel more like you belong in Cape Town than meeting fellow Capetonians watching the sun dip into the sea as they sip on sundowners.

Here’s the secret, though – you can’t go to the actual Signal Hill spot, the one where all the tourists go. Oh no. Real Capetonians stop before then, at the parking lot after the mosque, and make their way onto the actual mountain to find the ideal sundowner spot. All you need is a blanket (the ground can be pretty rocky) and your beverage of choice (May I suggest perfectly mixed gin and tonics, with lots of lemon and ice, in a large water bottle? Or if you want to be ever so slightly classier, a bottle of bubbly or a few chilled beers). Some snacks are always a good idea. And a few friends who aren’t in a rush to go anywhere and will gladly while away the hour or two you need to properly relax, unwind, and appreciate the vast beauty spread before you.

What’s so wonderful about sundowners on Signal Hill is that you get to look at one half of the whole city… That means all of Sea Point and the promenade, the glittering houses of Bantry Bay and the ocean, with all its boats and cruise ships gliding past. It’s an astounding sight, especially as the red ball of the sun slips into the ocean. One that will make you glad to be right here, right now, in this very beautiful Mother City.

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